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The Growing of Gold. 



Facts about Growing Alfalfa, the Practical 
Gold Mine for the Farmer of today. . . 



By J. F. SINN, 

of the 
A. A. BERRY SEED COMPANY, 



f^^ C^^ 



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Copyrighted i913, 
A. A, BEEKY SEED CO, 



Price 25 cents 



Printed and Published by 

A. A. BERRY SEED COMPANY, 

CLARINDA, IOWA. 



Contents. 



Chapter Page 

INTRODUCTION - - - 5 

1 ALFALFA IN AMERICA - - 7 

2 SELECTION OF LAND - - 12 

3 INOCULATION and FERTILIZATION 15 

4 SEEDING OF ALFALFA - - 2Ct 

5 CARING OF ALFALFA - - 24 

6 HARVESTING OF ALFALFA - 28 

7 SCIENTIFIC FEED VALUE - 32 

8 ALFALFA THE MONEY CROP 37 

9 THE BEST ALFALFA SEED - 43 

10 WHAT OTHERS SAY - - 46 
ALFALFA FACTS WORTH REMEMBERING Si 
EIGHTS AND MEASURES - - 53 



/Pi\n\ A o pr n ^ ft n 



n 

J — — 

The Growing of Gold. 



INTRODUCTION. 




HE purpose of writing this little booklet is 
to set forth the facts on growing Alfalfa; 
to give our friends a condensed and abbre- 
viated reference book that will be useful 
and helpful to every one who is interested in the up- 
building of the farm, and getting greater profits 

from it. 

In writing this book, the writer has frequently re- 
ferred to Bulletin No. 137 of Iowa Agricultural Sta- 
tion, and the best works that he could find on Alfal- 
fa. It has been the aim to give the most authentic 
information on this subject that could be found and 
we are sure our customers and friends will find it of 
great assistance to them in getting the most out of 
the crop. 

There is an unlimited amount of wealth in the 
growing of Alfalfa, so the writer has entitled this 
booklet, •• The Growing of Gold". This name is 
most fitting, as it is easy to grow gold by using plen- 
ty of Alfalfa Seed. You should get our "Yellow as 
Gold Seed", and sow it freely on your farm on a 
well prepared seed bed, and then you will better ap- 
preciate this book, and more fully understand "The 
Qrt^me of Gold." 



The Growing of Gold 



It is the earnest desire of the writer to impress 
upon every reader of this book the great import- 
ance of growing Alfalfa and I hope that every farm- 
er that has a farm will start at once "The Growing 
of Gold" or in other words "The Growing of Alfal- 
fa". It is bound to bring joy and wealth to him the 
same as it has to the many thousands of other farm- 
ers who are no more favored than you. 

There may be instances that you know of where 
Alfalfa has been a failure, but this does not condemn 
the plant in the least, and you should strive all the 
harder to grow Alfalfa successfully. It can be grown 
on your farm and the writer will feel that his efforts 
have accomplished the purpose intendv d, if this book 
is the means of influencing you to test it out your- 
self and experience the great reward offered to all 
who make a success of growing Alfalfa. 





The Growing of Gold. 

CHAPTER 1. 

ALFALFA IN AMERICA. 

LFALFA is a new plant for America, gen- 
erally speaking, put the plant itself is no 
wise new, as it has been grown for more 
than 2,000 years. Alfalfa was first grown 
in Asia and from there it spread westward through- 
out the entire of Europe where it has been growing 
with the greatest of success for many centuries, it 
was brought to South America by the Spaniards 
and it gradually worked northward. Having been 
grown for more than 200 years in Mexico before 
introduced into the United States. We are indebted 
to them for introducing it in the United States, as it 
was first grown in California and then spread to 
other western ^states and has gradually worked east- 
ward until it has penetrated every state to the At- 
lantic. 

Alfalfa was first grown in California in the early 
50's and was not grown in the great Alfalfa States; 
of Kansas and Nebraska until late in the 70's. You 
can now hardly find a progressive farmer in these 
states who is not growing more or less Alfalfa. 
West of the Missouri River Alfalfa is recognized as 
the best paying crop that can be grown and has 



The Growing of Gold 



turned much of the dry barren waste into a world 
of wealth. What it has done for the Western farm- 
er, it will do for the Eastern farmer. It is fast be- 
coming the best paying crop that can be grown in 
the east, especially by the dairy farmer. Alfalfa will 
add untold wealth to the corn-belt farmer, who has 
been constantly cropping the land with corn, taking 
away the nitrogen and humus which alfalfa replaces. 

It is hard to estimate the worth of Alfalfa, but it 
is surely King of the forage plants and every farmer 
should be growing it. Henry Wallace says that ev- 
ery farmer in Iowa who has a quarter section, should 
at least have 10 acres of Alfalfa. It is high time that 
each and every farmer should recognize the value of 
this wonderful grow. 

Alfalfa has made great advancement in the United 
States in the past fifty years, but it has only been 
in the past few years that its full value has been real- 
lized. Therefore alfalfa growing is in its infancy. 
From now on alfalfa growing should make very 
rapid progress, and the farmer who is slow about 
starting to grow this plant is losing out on the best 
money making crop that he could plant. 

It is strange that a plant that has such sterling 
worth as alfalfa is not grown more generally by all 
fanners Some wrilgrs have led the farmer to be- 



The Growing of Gold 



lieve that alfalfa is hard to grow, and many think 
they could not make a success of it. This is where 
alfalfa unjustly got a great setback, for it is not diffi- 
cult to grow. In fact it can be grown on nearly ev- 
ery farm in nearly every state in the Union. In Iowa 
the Experimental Station shows that alfalfa is a much 
surer crop than clover. Prof. Hughes of the Iowa 
State College reports that out of over 1000 reports 
from farmers in Iowa on growing alfalfa, there was 
less than 13% failures, while on growing clover the 
percent was much greater. 

Alfalfa is a crop of wide adaptability and the 
growing of it need not be confined to any particular 
section. The fact that alfalfa is being grown success- 
fully all over Asia and Europe and in a latitude as 
far north as 68 degrees north latitude recommends it 
as a very hardy plant. Alfalfa is now being grown 
successfully in every state in the Union and you will 
now find small fields here and there throughout the 
Eastern states as well as the Northern and Southern. 
Alfalfa is no longer a plant of the Western States. 
We have customers all over the United States report- 
ing the great success they have had with our seed. 
So the writer does not hesitate about urging each 
and every farmer to start growing it. It does not 
take long io test it out, and if you will properly pre- 



The Growing of Gold 



pare the ground and use good hardy seed there is no 
cause for failure. 

When you stop to consider the worth of an acre 
of alfalfa, you then can begin to realize the import- 
ance of studying this plant and the reason you should 
grow it. An acre of alfalfa is capable of producing 
all the way from ^25.00 to $100.00 depending upon 
the season and conditions. In the corn belt it is ca- 
pable of doubling the income of corn. Its value is 
appreciated in the corn belt, for alfalfa and corn 
make an ideal balanced ration, which the stock rais- 
er cannot well aiford to be without it. 

The high feed value of alfalfa will be taken up in 
another chapter, one which will be of great interest 
to you. Don't overlook the value of alfalfa as a feed, 
as there is no other forage plant that is equal to it. 
It far excels clover and all other legumes, and not 
only that, but it is a nitrogen gathering plant and is 
excellent for rebuilding the soil. It is truly said that 
every acre seeded to alfalfa increased the value of the 
land $100.00. 

Wherever you find a farm that has several alfalfa 
fields growing, you will usually find a nice set cf 
farm buildings and a farm that is not for sale. The 
owner realizes he has as good a paying proposition sa 
he could wish for and is not anxious to part with a 

10 



The Growing of Gold 



sure thing. You will find that real estate values soon 
increase when Alfalfa is grown. Alfalfa has brought 
more wealth to the western states than their gold 
mines, and all other mine included. It is called by 
some writers the *' Wonder Crop" and it is well en- 
titled to this name as it is wonderful what wealth it 
will bring. It is to be hoped that every farmer who 
has a farm will start growing Alfalfa at once. 

You can grow Alfalfa on your farm and there is 
no reason why you should hesitate about starting. If 
you do not start now, it will be safe to say you 
will be growing it ten years from now. Why let ten 
years of the best part of your life pass by before 
starting on this road to wealth? 



11 



The Growing of Gold 

CHAPTER II. 

SELECTION OF LAND. 




HE successful growing of Alfalfa depends 
quite largely on getting land adapted to 
the plant. This does not mean that it is 
hard to find land suitable for Alfalfa, as 
on nearly every farm, certain portions or fields will 
grow Alfalfa, some parts being much better adapted 
to the plant than others. So it is well to be careful 
in selecting your field and get the piece that will bring 
you the best returns. On some farms, every acre 
might be well suited to growing Alfalfa, but this is 
not alwa^'S the case. 

When selecting your ground for Alfalfa growing, 
see that you decide on a field that is well drained, and 
that it has a porous sub-soil, and also try to select 
fertile soil. Well drained soil does not mean some 
high hill, but on the other hand, much better results 
would be obtained from a good piece of bottom land 
that is not wet and water does not stand near the sur- 
face; or a good field of rolling land that is sufficient- 
ly fertile. For best results, it might be well to first 
grow Cow Peas or some legume, preparatory to seed- 
ing. Quite a number are now using Sweet Clover as 
a preparatory crop, before growing Alfalfa. Often 

12 



The Growing of Gold 



it is practical to manure the ground with a good coat 
of well rotted manure and by doing this, you are 
bound to make a greater success and secure larger 
returns. You cannot miss it by applying manure be- 
fore seeding, as on nearly all soil, better results are 
obtained. 

If the land is quite fertile, good results can be ex- 
pected by seeding without any special preparation. 

it is necessary to bear in mind not to get sour or 
wet land. If you are in doubt about your land con- 
taining acid, it might be well to test it, which is a 
very simple process. Secure some blue litmiis paper 
from the druggist and take a handful of moist soil 
and work into a ball; place a strip of blue litmus in 
the middle and allow it to remain a short time, on 
removing, if the paper has changed to red, the soil is 
decidedly acid, but if only slightly pink, the degree 
of acid is not so marked, if you find your soil of an 
acid nature, it requires lime. Acid condition of the 
soil is corrected by using lime, although a soil tonic, 
it is not a direct fertilizer, as many suppose. All le- 
gumes are benefited by proper liming and you can 
usually increase results by using lime; the degree of 
acidity of the soil sei'ves as an indicator, for the 
amount of lime needed. 1,000 to 3,000 lbs per acre 
will be sufficient in most cases, but some of the 

13 



The Growing of Gold 



Eastern states may require larger amounts. Lime 
may be applied with a manure spreader; or from 
a wagon with shovel. A broadcast endgate seeder 
may be used to advantage. 

After you have decided on the field you intend to 
use for Alfalfa, it then necessary to get it in proper 
condition for seeding. The process necessary to fol- 
low will depend quite largely on the crop preceding. 
In many sections where fall seeding is desirable, it is 
well to have Alfalfa follow a small grain crop, or 
early potatoes leaves the ground in good condition 
for seeding. 

Spring seeding may follow most any crop, but it 
would be well to f ollov.; some cultivated crop that has 
freed the ground from weeds. One objection to 
spring seeding in the humid section is the weed prop- 
osition. It is well to secure a field as free of weeds 
as possible, as better results will be obtained. 



14 



The Growing of Gold. 




CHAPTER III. 
INOCULATION AND FERTILZATION. 

LL leguminous plants require inoculation to 
insure the best growth. This, however, 
does not mean that it is always necessary 
to inoculate before seeding, for in many 
cases, the soil is already properly inoculated, so that 
very satisfactory results are obtained. Where Alfal- 
fa or Sweet Clover has not been grown, it is impos- 
sible to tell whether the soil is inoculated or not, so 
on this account you are much surer of results by 
first inoculating the soil before seeding. The expense 
of inoculation is not great and the increased results 
will many times pay for it. If there is no bacteria 
in the soil, a failure undoubtedly would be the results, 
while if the soil was only partially inoculated, the 
Alfalfa would not do well and be sickly. On nearly 
all soil, better results can be obtained by proper in- 
oculating before seeding. It has been proven by 
many experiments that inoculation is required for 
best results, and it is not an expense to inoculate, 
but an investment that will much more than pay for 
itself the tlrst season, in the way ,of increased pro- 
duction. Besides each following year, you will be 



16 



The Growing of Gold 



getting heavier crops, so it is to your interest to in- 
oculate the soil and not take chances on seeding 
without. 

There are two methods of inoculation, one known 
as the soil-transfer method and the other, — the pure 
culture. The inoculation by soil-transfer method is 
quite commonly practiced and is very satisfactory. 
This method is very simple and is not difficult to 
follow; although it is laborious and has one objection 
which should not be forgotten. That is to get soil 
which is free from noxious weeds, insect or plant 
enemies, for you might introduce some pest on your 
land which would be hard to exterminate. 

In order to inoculate by the soil-transfer method, it 
is necessary to secure soil from a good, healthy 
Sweet Clover field or from the roadside where it 
may be found growing, or from an Alfalfa field. It 
requires about 200 to 300 pounds of soil to the acre, 
which should be scattered over the field just before 
seeding and after the soil is scattered it should be 
immediately covered by harrowing, for the sun's 
rays will kill the bacteria germ if left exposed for 
for any length of time. The soil if fine can be sowed 
broadcast by hand, on with an end-gate seeder, or it 
may be put on the ground with a manure spreader. 



16 



The Growing of Gold 



Another way which might be very practical is to 
fasten a long narrow box on the front of the harrow, 
with a slat bottom, leaving openings sufficiently 
large so that the soil may scatter out, thus distrib- 
uting the soil and harrowing it in at the same oper- 
ation. The soil could also be put in the field with a 
drill that has a fertilizer attachment. It is also sug- 
gested that it would be a good plan to take small 
portion of the soil and mix with the seed at time of 
sowing, but this is not necessary if the soil has been 
well distributed before seeding. 

The pure-culture method is much more easily done 
and is giving excellent results, and is recommended 
both by the Department of Agriculture and the State 
Agricultural Colleges. It has the advantage of pre- 
venting the introduction of harmful weeds or pests 
on the farm and is much more easily secured. 

There are several different places where the cul- 
ture is manufactured, but the culture furnished by 
the A. A. Ben-y Seed Co., is equal to the best and 
the writer does not hesitate to recommend it to all 
who need to inoculate. This is what the manufac- 
turer says about our Nitrogen Culture: "The Culture 
listed are guaranteed to be first class in every respect. 



17 



The Growing of Gold 



They are prepared by an expert bacteriologist, who 
follows accurately the formula set forth by the Gov- 
ernment; the purchaser is thus assured of receiving 
the best to be had. 

Full directions come with each package, giving full 
instructions as to using it. The Culture is mixed 
with water, according to directions given with it, and 
the seed is moistened with the culture, so that each 
seed is affected, but care should be taken so as not 
to soak the seed. As soon as the seed is sufficiently 
dry, it should be planted. 

You should not wait any great length of time for 
the nodule bacteria will soon die. Seed which is 
treated should never be exposed to the rays of the 
sun when drying and should be covered immediate- 
ly after seeding. 

We have already mentioned the importance of 
manuring, but wish to emphasize the fact that that 
you can get no greater returns from your manure 
than applying it on your Alfalfa field. It is not 
absolutely necessary to use manure, but a much 
heavier crops may be expected and you are also as- 
sured of being more successful in obtaining a stand. 
So do not feel that you are wasting your time when 
using manure preparatory to seeding. The richer the 



18 



The Qrowingof Gold 



soil, the heavier is the yield. Richer soil increases 
the growth the same as plenty of water. It is true 
that Alfalfa will withstand much drought, but the 
heavy yields are secured when supplied with plenty 
of moisture, either by nature or artificially. 



19 



The Growing of Gold 

CHAPTER IV. 

SEEDING OF ALFALFA, 




HE time of seeding Alfalfa must vary in 
different sections of the country, owing 
to the weather conditions and nature of 
climate. Spring seeding has been proven 
very successful throughout the corn belt and the 
Eastern states, and we believe more seeding is done in 
the spring than fall. In sections of heavy rainfall, it 
is doubtful whether spring seeding is advisable on ac- 
count of the weeds. So early fall seeding would be 
preferable. 

Alfalfa may be seeded in spring, with small grain 
in the same manner as Clover. The seed bed should 
be well prepared the previous fall or early in the 
spring. When seeding with a nurse crop, use a grain 
that may be removed early and the grain crop should 
be reduced about a half so as not to smother out the 
alfalfa. Better results can be expected from spring 
seeding, by using a very light nurse crop and seeding 
about the last of April and then remove the nurse 
crop for hay in June. This keeps the weeds down 
and the Alfalfa should be up nicely, so that after 
the nurse crop is removed, it should have a start of 
the weeds. 

20 



The Growing of Gold 



Splendid results are obtained from spring seeding, 
by sowing without a nurse crop. If this method is to 
be followed, it is well to plow the ground in the fall 
or early in the spring and cultivate the ground from 
time to time, so that much of the weed seed will be 
destroyed before seeding. About May first, the Alfal- 
fa should be sown and as it is then warm, the Alfal- 
fa will soon start and if there is not too much rain, 
the Alfalfa should get a start of the weeds. 

In the corn belt, seeding in this manner has given 
excellent results; especially of dry years. When Clo- 
ver has been a complete failure on account of drou- 
ght, Alfalfa has done well and made a most excel- 
lent stand. 

When fall seeding is practiced, it usually follows 
a small grain crop. It is very important that the 
ground be plowed at once after the grain is cut and 
then harrowed until a perfect seed bed has been se- 
cured. It is best to plow shallow as a more compact 
seed bed will result. We find that double discing the 
stubble is proving very satisfactory. When the 
ground is dry discing might be easier done and more 
satisfactory as a good seed bed can be secured. The 
proper time for fall seeding is the latter part of Au- 
gust or the first part of September. It is well to sow 
as early in the fall as possible, so that the plant may 

21 



The Growing of Gold 



become well rooted before freezing weather. There 
is danger of winter killing if sowed too late. 

Experiments have proven that it is a little surer to 
summer fallow the ground and sow the last of July 
or the first of August, but this causes the loss of 
a crop one year and the writer does not advise 
following this method, on this account. Good re- 
sults may be expected by seeding either in the spring 
or in the fall, after harvesting grain, if no time is lost 
in getting the ground ready. It is essential to put 
much work on the land and get as good a seed bed 
as it is possible to obtain. 

The amount of seed required per acre varies some- 
what and you will find different amounts recom- 
mended. It is not necessary to sow more than 15 lbs. 
of our World Brand Alfalfa, as this makes a heavy 
seeding, and a less amount may be sufficient. If you 
have seed of low germination, it would require more 
but it is policy to get the best when seeding Alfalfa. 

Good results can be expected by either sowing 
broadcast by hand, or by using a hand seeder. The 
Cyclone hand seeder can be recommended as a 
splendid broadcast hand seeder for sowing all kinds 
of grass seed. After sowing, harrow, so as to cover 
the seed ; or the seed may be drilled if the ground is 
even and the seed can be covered so as not to put 

22 



The Growing of Gold 



part in too deep. The seed should be covered about 
one-half inch — not over an inch. When the seed is 
covered too deep the plant will be spindling and sick- 
ly and not nearly so vigorous as it would be if but 
lightly covered. 

Alfalfa germinates very quickly and if sowed prop- 
erly, in a well prepared seed bed, it will all be up in 
a weeks time; providing there is sufficient moisture 
and weather is warm. You will be surprised at the 
rapid growth it makes and often times early fall 
seeding will get a foot high before frost. 



23 



The Growing of Gold 

CHAPTER V. 

CARING OF ALFALFA. 




HEN Alfalfa is seeded in the spring without 
a nurse crop, it is well to go over the field 
several times during the summer, clipping 
the weeds, so that they do not smother 
the young plants. The clipping of the Alfalfa stim- 
ulates the growth of the plant. As a rule, you can- 
not expect much of a crop the first season, although 
early seeding on a rich field producing a rapid growth, 
might be cut for hay the last of August It is best 
to leave a large growth on the ground as a cover 
during winter. The crop on the ground will hold 
the snow and there is much less danger of winter 
killing than when the ground is bare. 

Fall seeding requires no special attention the first 
fall, as the entire growth should be left as a cover 
crop. The following year the crop should yield three 
to four cuttings. The first crop should be ready to 
cut about the middle of June and when cutting it 
should not be mowed to low. 

The disk is resorted to by many to thicken and 
even a stand of Alfalfa. It is well to use a disk after 
the first year, provided conditions are favorable, but 
care should be exercised to prevent harm. Where 

24 



The Growing of Gold 



a stand is thin, the weeds if not eradicated will soon 
destroy the Alfalfa. 

The report on cultivating Alfalfa, by Prof. Hughes 
is no doubt one of the best methods of handling: 
''The ordinary disk has no doubt been used more 
generally for this purpose than any other implement, 
but it is not nearly so good as a spring-tooth harrow 
or the Alfalfa renovator. While independent plants 
sometime develop from portions of the crown of the 
Alfalfa, which are cut off by the disk, this hardly 
happens enough to be of great value in thickening 
the stand, while the plant may be injured by pre- 
senting a favorable opening for fungus diseases. 
Whether benefit is derived from cultivation with the 
disk, is due to other factors than an increased num- 
ber of plants. 

The spring tooth harrow constructed of stitf 
springs, ended in small shovels, which are in con- 
tinual vibration as they pass through the soil, is very 
effective in removing the weeds and grass, without 
in any way injuring the alfalfa plants, as the weeds 
and grass are shallow rooted and easily pulled up. 
Alfalfa roots penetrate many feet in the soil and 
when the narrow shovel of the spring-tooth harrow 
comes in contact with them, it springs far enough 
to one side to pass the plant without injuring it. 

25 



The Growing of Gold 



Sometimes the desired results are not secured from 
cultivation, because the work is not thorough enough. 
Many times the man doing the work is afraid of in- 
juring the Alfalfa. We have cultivated Alfalfa until 
it seemed that no living plant could remain, and un- 
til the field appeared to be a perfectly prepared seed 
bed, yet the old crowns threw up new shoots and 
before frost the Alfalfa stood 14 inches high, 4 inch- 
es higher than other Alfalfa in the same field, which 
had not been cultivated. This increased vigor was 
due in part to the fact that where the Alfalfa was 
not cultivated the grass was crowding it badly, while 
on the cultivated portion no weeds were to be seen. 
Ordinarily we would not recommend so severe treat- 
ment as this, but we do wish to impress the necessi- 
ty of thorough cultivation". 

In the corn belt, blue grass is liable to be found 
troublesome in the Alfalfa field, and this can be suc- 
cessfully overcome by thorough cultivation, as above 
described. 

Some Alfalfa fields after the first year seem to be 
sickly and die out. This may be due to various caus- 
es, but if the land is properly inoculated, the cause 
may be due to lack of lime or fertility. Much bene- 
fit may be derived from top dressing the Alfalfa field 
with a good dressing of well rotted manure that con- 

26 



The Growing of Gold 



tains no weed or grass seed. I'sually manuring the 
fields help the growth and secures greater yields of 
hay. 

The life of an Alfalfa field depends quite largely 
on how well the plant succeeds. Alfalfa is a peren- 
nial plant and some fields have been Icnown to exist 
fifty years, but as a rule it is advisable to rotate 
crops and as Alfalfa is a splendid fertilizer, it is well 
to change the field as soon as better results might be 
expected, by plowing up and planting to some other 
crop. It is well to have some other field of Alfalfa 
coming on, as no one can well afford to be without 
the crop. After growing it successfully, it requires 
no urg ng to have reseeding done. Every successful 
Alfalfa grower is very enthusiastic and some become 
"Alfalfa cranks", so to speak. 



11 



The Growing of Gold. 

CHAPTER VI. 

HARVESTING OF ALFALFA. 




F all the various points to study in the 
growing of Alfalfa, none is of more im- 
portance than the cutting and curing of 
the hay. Upon the proper execution of 
these two things, depends largely the value which 
may be obtained from your alfalfa field. 

The general rule is to cut Alfalfa just as it is com- 
ing into bloom. Feeding experiments show that the 
feeding value is the highest when it is cut at the 
time it begins to bloom. It is well to cut alfalfa 
when you notice the basal shoots starting which are 
to form the growth of the new crop. By cutting at 
this time, the new crop starts immediately. So no 
time is lost and larger yields are secured. If dry 
weather has prevented the basal shoots from starting, 
cutting should be not delayed so as to lose the value 
of the hay. 

Alfalfa hay should be gotten up without rain, if 
possible, for the rain turns it black and much of the 
feeding value is lost. In the West where there is lit- 
tle rain fall during harvest time, there is not much 
difficulty experienced in getting the hay up without 
rain. There, they often start mowing in in the morn- 

v28 



ing and can put the hay in windrows ni the aftei- 
noon and the following day commence stackmg. In 
the humid zone more difilculties are encountered, 
and it is often hard to get the first cutting up without 
suffering some loss on account of rain. 

The quicker the crop can be cured and the less 
handling it receives, the better the quality of hay. 
The leaves shatter very easily when wet and as the 
greatest percent of nourishment is in the leaves ot 
Alfalfa hay, so the least possible loss of them should 
be avoided. It is well to put Alfalfa in the wnidrow 
just as soon as it become well wilted or about half- 
cured and either allow it to tlnish curing m the 
windrow or in the cock. . 

Alfalfa hay can be stacked much damper than is 
supposed, without risk of spoiling in the stack. It 
may turn black if stacked too green, but it is better 
to put in stack a little too green than to have it suf- 
fer on account of rain, as it will contain greater feed 
value When the side-delivery rakes are used, it is 
much easier to cure Alfalfa, it can be put m small 
windrows soon as it is well wilted and as soon as 
sufficiently dry, it may be bunched and hauled to 

the barn. ^ , 

It is much better to put Alfalfa hay under cover. 
If there is not sulficient barn room and and it is 

29 



The Growing of Gold 



necessary to stack, care should be used in stacking: 
and the top of the stack should be covered with slough 
hay or with some crop that will shed water. . Alfal- 
fa hay is too valuable to lose any by careless hand- 
ling and the entire crop should be preserved with the 
least possible loss. 

Alfalfa does not have as great a value as a pasture 
crop as it does as a hay crop, although it is used 
with great success for pasturing all kinds of stock. 
An Alfalfa field should not be pastured the first, year 
and at no time should not be pastured too closely. It 
is much better to have the field under- stocked than 
over-stocked. 

There is some danger in pasturing sheep and cattle 
on Alfalfa, as it is liable to cause bloat. This danger 
is much increased when pasturing young alfalfa or 
alfalfa on moist soil which makes a rapid growth. 
Animals should not be turned on Alfalfa when wet or 
the stock is very hungry. With sheep and cattle the 
Alfalfa should be well advanced towards blooming. 

Alfalfa makes excellent pasture for hogs, and no 
hog raiser should be without it. Best results might 
be obtained when pasturing hogs by having the field 
divided, allowing one field to be pastured off while 
the other was making new growth. By changing 
from one field to the other, the Alfalfa will do much 



The Growing of (iold 



better and the production will be greatly increased. 
Alfalfa seeds in paying quantities only, when there 
is a shortage of moisture. Alfalfa Seed is produced 
quite generally throughout most of the Western 
states, but in the rain belt there is no seed crop except 
of a dry year. As a rule the second crop is cut for 
seed, but in some sections the third crop is saved in 
preference. When allowed to seed, the Alfalfa should 
be cut when about three-fourths of the pods have 
turned brown. The crop may be harvested in the 
same manner as Clover or a self-binder may be 
used to advantage Alfalfa can be threshed with an 
ordinary grain thresher, but a huller will do much 
better work. The yields run from 2 to 6 bushels of 
seed per acre and instances of 10 and 12 bushels per 
acre have been reported. 



31 



The Growing of Gold 




CHAPTER VII. 

SCIENTIFIC FEED VALUE. 

OU will find Alfalfa recognized as the 
King of forage plants, as there is no 
question about its great feeding value. 
The value of Alfalfa as a feed is well 
handled by Bulletin No. 137, issued by the Iowa Ag- 
ricultural Experiment Station and is herewith given 
in full: ''Alfalfa has a great feeding value, either as 
hay or pasture. It has a relative high content of di- 
gestable protein. 

All crops other than the legumes contain a relative- 
ly high per cent of carbonhydrates and a relatively 
low per cent of protein— the stuff feeders are forced 
to buy as concentrates to balance rations. Alfalfa, 
on the contrary, has a relatively high per cent of 
protein and is easily digested, qualities that cannot 
be over-estimated. 

TABLE IV. 
Tho averaere composition of Alfalfa compared with other crops. 



Crop 



Water Ash 



Crude Crude 
Protein Fiber 



Nitrogen 

Free 

Extract 



Fat 



Alfalfa 


8.1 


8.8 


14.6 


28.9 


37.4 


2.1 


Red Clover 


15.3 


62 


12 3 


24.8 


38.1 


3.3 


Timothy 


13.2 


4.4 


5.9 


29.0 


4.5.0 


2.5 


Corn 


10.6 


1.5 


10.3 


Z.2 


70.4 


5.0 


Oats 


10.4 


3.2 


11.4 


10.8 


59.4 


4.8 


Corn Stover 


40.5 


3.4 


3.8 


19.7 


31.5 


1.1 


Oat ?traw 


9,3 


b.i 


4.0 


37.0 


42.4 


%9 



32 



The Orowing of Ciold 



Alfalfa hay is especially valuable to the dairyman, 
though it is also known to give excellent results with 
all classes of live stock. It is expecially valuable 
where a rapid development of muscle and bone is 
essential, as with brood sows, young pigs and steers. 



TABLE V. 
The Food Value per A verag-e Acre and Other Crops Based on 
the Average Composition and the Average Yield for 
the State for 1909 and 1910. 



Crop 



Ash 



Crude 
Protein 



Crude 
Fiber 



Nitrgen 
Free 
Extract Fat 



Alfalfa 


488 


8C8 


1600 


2070 


116 


Red Clover * 


155 


307 


620 


950 


82 


Timothy * 


110 


147 


722 


112 


62 


Corn Total 


102 


293 


456 


2119 


127 


Grain 


31 


215 


458 


1464 


104 


Stover 


70 


79 


411 


655 


23 


Oats Total 


135 


195 


852 


1450 


94 


Grain 


32 


114 


109 


598 


48 


Stover 


102 


80 


743 


852 


46 



* Assuming yield to be that given for "Tame Hay". 

Considering the average yield of various crops for 
those years in which Alfalfa data are available in 
Iowa, Alfalfa produced 5.5 times as much protein 
per acre as Timothy, 4 times as much as Oats, 2.75 
times as much as Corn, and 2.6 times as much as 
Red Clover. 

As a pasture for hogs the animal husbandry sec- 
tion of the Iowa Agricultural Experiment Station re- 



33 



The Growing of Gold 



ports a net profit of ^184.92 per acre from Alfalfa, 
the hogs selling at 6 cents and the corn fed costing 
49 cents for 56 lbs. of grain on the cob. And this 
when an acre of blue grass handled in the same way 
gave a profit of but $97.23. 

TABLE Vr. 

Showing the Average Per Cent Digestibility of Alfalfa as Com- 
pared with Other Crops. 



Crop 



Dry Protein 
Matter 



Crude 
Fiber 



Nitrogen 

Fiee 

Fat 



Extract 



Alfalfa 


62 


72 


47 


72 


43 


Red Clover 


57 


58 


54 


64 


55 


Timothy 


55 


48 


50 


62 


50 


Corn 


91 


76 


58 


93 


86 


Oats 


70 


77 


31 


77 


89 


Corn S< over 


57 


36 


64 


59 


67 


Oat Straw 


48 


33 


54 


46 


36 



The table on the actual feeding value of Alfalfa in 
the Government Bulletin will be of interest and is 
worth your study, and is given as contained in Farm- 
er's Bulletin 339. 

''The following table indicates the actual feeding 

value of eight different kinds of feed, based on the 

amount of digestible nutrients contained in them. 

These values are calculated from the figures given in 

the table just preceding. The value per pound as- 
signed as the basis of calculation are protein, $0.0674 

carbohydrates (starches, etc.) $0.0064; ether extract 



34 



The Growing of Gold 



(fat), $0.01 12. These figures are merely relative, as 
the prices of the food elements vary in the diflferent 
section and from year to year. It will be noted that 
the value of alfalfa hay is slightly more than double 
that of timothy". 

Actual Feeding Value of Different Feeds Based on Amounts of 
Diijestable Nutrients. 



Feed 



Fresh Alfalfa 
Fresn Clover 
Alfalfa Ha.v 
Clover. Hay 



Value 
Per ton 

s r.oo 

5.96 
20.16 
14.12 



Feed 



Value 
Per ton 



Timothy Hay 
Cow Pea Hay 
^^'heat Bran 
Shelled Corn 



2^S0 
20.16 



We are giving a table figured on estimated yields 
per acre and the actual test of protein in each kind 
of plant and its comparative values per ton. We 
have taken as our basis, Timothy hay at $5.00 per 
ton and have estimated the yield on Alfalfa at 5 tons 
per acre, which is conservative. 



Per Cent Pounds Pounds Value Per 
Kind Yield Protein Protein Protein A. based 

per A. Hay Per ton Per A. on protein 



Allalfa 
Red Clover 
Timothy 
Oat Straw 



5 ton 
2H'* 



iVa" 



14.6 

12.3 

5.9 

4.0 



29r3. 

246. 
US, 

8U. 



1460 
615 
236 
120 



S6I.86 

26.06 

10.00 

5.09 



This table Speaks volumes and shows the great 
value of Alfalfa hay as a protein crop. Protein feeds 



So 



The Growing of Gold 



are the ones sought after by the dairyman, cattle 
raisers and growers of stock. Proteins come high 
when it is necessary to purchase them in concentrate 
feeds such as chop, bran oilmeal tankage, etc. 

Don't fail to study these tables and see for your- 
self the great value of Alfalfa as a feed. There is no 
plant that will make you more money than growing 
Alfalfa for feeding purposes. It cannot be surpassed 
and is a great money maker. 



The Growing of Gold. 



CHAPTER VII. 

ALFALFA THE MONEY CROP. 



UCH has been written on the value of Al- 
falfa, but as yet the great value of this 
plant has not been realized by the aver- 
age farmer. Alfalfa growing is just in its 




infancy and greater profits are to be realized from 
this plant from now on than ever before. Alfalfa will 
be a much more profitable crop for the Eastern farmer 
than it has ever been for the Western farmer, as the 
market is near at hand and the entire crop can be 
turned into profit without paying long freight hauls 
and various other expenses. 

Every dairyman should be a large grower of Al- 
falfa hay as he can not afford to be without it. There 
is no crop that will bring larger returns for him and 
there is no feed that will do so much good as Alfal- 
fa hay. The Government Bulletin reports: "experi- 
ments made by the Tennessee Agricultural Experi- 
mental Station in regard to the replacing of grain 
with Alfalfa in ration for dairy cows indicated that 
li pounds of Alfalfa will replace 1 pound of wheat 
bran. The test showed with Alfalfa hay at $10.00 
a ton and wheat btan at $20-00 the saving etfeded 

37 



The Growing of Gold 



by substituting alfalfa for wheat bran is ^2.80 for 
every 100 pounds of butter and 20 cents for every 
100 pounds of milk". When a crop can be grown 
successfully that will produce such a saving in feed, 
how can a successful dairyman be without it? 

Alfalfa is just as valuable to the stock grower as 
it is to the dairyman and it behoves the farmer who 
has been constantly growing corn to rotate the land 
and start growing Alfalfa. Much larger results may 
be expected from an acre of Alfalfa than an acre of 
corn as a money crop, besides the great advantage of 
building up the land and increasing it value rather 
than depleting the soil and lowering its value as 
with constant corn growing. 

The Government Bulletin reports: ''The Utah Agri- 
cultural Experiment Station conducted an experi- 
ment extending over a period of five years to deter- 
mine the quantity of beef produced to the acre from 
Alfalfa hay cut in the different stages of maturity. It 
was found that hay cut when in full bloom produced 
562 pounds of beef annualy to the acre, while that 
cut in early bloom produced 706 pounds. The hay 
that was not cut until half the blooms had fallen 
produced only 490 pounds of beef to the acre. At 
the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station 2.41 
.pounds of beef was produced daily on a full ration 

38 



The Growing of (iold. 



of coin and alfalfa, while only 1.48 pounds were 
produced by a ration of corn and prairie hay. 

These experiments are convincing proof of the value 
of Alfalfa hay to the cattle feeder and there is no 
crop that works so well with corn as alfalfa. Alfal- 
fa hay supplies the protein that is so much needed in 
the corn belt and it can be grown so much cheaper 
than it can be secured any other way. It is essential 
to study economic conditions and produce beef as 
cheaply as it can possibly be produced, if you wish 
to make money in the growing and fattening of 
cattle. 

The value of Alfalfa as a hog feed cannot be over 
estimated and should be considered by every hog 
grower. The greatest value no doubt is secured 
from the pasture although alfalfa hay makes excel- 
lent feed during the winter months. It is relished 
very much and is excellent for brood sows, as they 
enter the spring farrowing season in much better 
condition. The value of alfalfa as a hog feed is 
given in the government Bulletin as follows: "At the 
the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station it has 
been shown that an acre of Alfalfa produced 116 
pounds of pork during the season. This calculation 
was made by deducting the probable grain due to 
the small ration of grain fed in connection with the 



The Growing of Gold 



pasturage. In another experiment it was shown 
that for every bushel of Kaffir Corn meal and 7.83 
pounds of Alfalfa hay the hogs made a gain of 10.88 
pounds. When the Alfalfa was withheld from the 
ration the gain was only 7.48 pounds for each bush- 
el of grain fed. 

Alfalfa is a feed that is good not only for cattle 
and hogs, but it is equally as valuable for sheep 
horses, or the poultry. It is a crop that is in demand 
on every farm by all kinds of stock. 

After reading the reports given on Alfalfa, it would 
seem that it would take no urging to have every 
farmer sowing Alfalfa, but such is not the case. 
Farmers are a good deal like sheep in this respect, 
and it is hard to get one to take the lead, but after 
one starts and makes a success the balance will soon 
follow. There are now progressive farmers in near- 
ly every neighborhood who are starting the growing 
of Alfalfa and in a few years the entire neighbor- 
hood will be growing it. Why not be the first one 
to start growing Alfalfa in your section if it has not 
been grown ? You could do your country and neigh- 
bor no greater service and at the same time you 
would be adding great value to your farm. 

The growing of Alfalfa is certainly "The Grow- 
m^ of Gold*\ as it brings a threefold income. When 

40 



The Qrowingof Gold 



you seed your field to Alfalfa, you are planting a 
crop that will in all probabilities bring you a larger 
net income than you could expect to realize from 
any other crop. It is not uncommon to get a yield 
of from 4 to 6 tons of hay per acre, valued from 
:^ 10.00 to $20.00 per ton. We have many custo- 
mers who have reported that the crop from one year 
was over $100.00 per acre. While you are growing 
a crop that is bringing you from $50.00 to $100.00 
per acre, you are also adding much wealth to your 
farm. Alfalfa is a great fertilizer and when you stop 
growing it and wish to grow some other crop your 
land has increased in fertility until it is much more 
valuable. You have also added value to your farm, 
as real estate value increase wherever Alfalfa grows. 
The United States Department of Agriculture says: 
"In addition to the hay and seed crop, Alfalfa adds 
$100.00 to the value of every acre on which it grows." 
If you want to sell your farm, seed it to Alfalfa and 
and you will have no difficulty and the longer you 
wait before selling the more you will realize. Many 
farms have doubled in value by making no other im- 
provements than growing Alfalfa. The value of Al- 
falfa is appreciated in ail sections and no matter 
where located, you can add great wealth to your farm 
by using Alfalfa Seed. 

41 



The Growing of Gold 



Don't think because you have not grown Alfalfa 
that you cannot grow it successfully. Be willing to 
give it a fair trial for you can make a success of it 
just the same as thousands and thousands of other 
farmers. It is stated by good authority that Alfalfa 
will grow on 99% of the farms in the United States, 
so we know of no crop that can be grown in all sec- 
tions so successfully. Read this book carefully and 
by using judgment, there is little chance of you fail- 
ing to make a success. Correspondence is always 
welcomed by the A. A. Berry Seed Co., and if you 
have any particular questions to ask or desire special 
information, be free to write us and it will afford us 
pleasure in helping you along to greater success in 
the growing of Alfalfa. 



42 




The Growing of Gold 



CHXPTER IX. 

THE BEST ALFALFA SEED. 

HE importance of good seed, is a subject 
that should have the careful thought and 
consideration of every person who con- 
templates seeding alfalfa. There is a vast 
difference in the seed offered, and as results depend 
quite largely on the seed used it is necessary to use 
care and precaution in securing seed. 

It has been proven by different experiments that 
Northern grown seed is more hardy than Southern 
stock and it is not advisable to get seed too far 
South. We have found that non- Irrigated, Nebraska 
grown seed is unusually hardy and is giving the 
most satisfactory results of any seed we have hand- 
led and the writer does not hesitate to recommend it 
for all sections. We have many customers thruout 
South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Eastern 
states, who are using this seed and find it extremely 
hardy and giving excellent results. The Montana 
seed is considered good if it is true to name, but it 
has been found that much of the so-called Montana 
seed offered by the large wholesale seed companies 
and handled by retail merchants, is not grown in 
Montana and is not what it should be.- This is also 



43 



The Growing of Gold 



true of the Grimm Alfalfa and some unscrupulous 
dealers are selling Grimm Alfalfa, simply because 
there is a call for it and a fancy price can be secured. 
As yet, the true Grimm Alfalfa is only offered in a 
limited way, as the price is prohibitive for the pure 
stock. Excellent results can be obtained without us- 
ing the Grimm Alfalfa and it is not advisable to try 
to secure it until later, when the seed is plentiful and 
prices more reasonable. 

The Turkestan Alfalfa is demanded by many of 
the Northern growers and by Western customers, 
who are located in a high altitude. The pure North- 
ern Turkestan seed comes from a semi-arid region 
and is recommended very highly for the non-irrigat- 
ed portion of the West and for high altitudes. It is 
very hardy and is proving an excellent variety, but 
it is not considered quite equal to the common 
American Alfalfa, for the humid section. 

Foreign Alfalfa seed is being offered in the United 
States, very freely, by all large wholesale seed com- 
panies, who import many car loads, as the price is 
about $3.00 per cwt. less than domestic seed. This 
seed is sold to consumer by the local dealer, who 
handles seed, so it is to your interest to be careful 
about buying your seed. In most cases you will be 
surer of getting higb grade seed by seoding td a grood 

44 



The Growing of Gold 



reliable mail order house, who builds up its business 
on the quality of seed supplied. 

The A. A. Berry Seed Co., takes great pride in be- 
ing able to offer their customers the very best Alfalfa 
seed at right prices, and anyone who needs seed can 
depend on the quality being as represented. We buy 
our Alfalfa seed direct from the grower and can sup- 
ply seed which is true to name and on which you 
can absolutely depend. We deal extensively in alfalfa 
and are in position to furnish the best grade of seed 
at a lower price than is asked by many competitors 
for inferior seed. Our World Brand Alfalfa is the 
grade to buy and you cannot make a mistake in buy- 
ing your seed if you can secure this grade. It is sold 
subject to either State or Government test and there 
is no seed that will give better results. Don't use 
poor seed at any price, and on the other hand, don't 
pay an exorbitant price for seed that does not test so 
well as our World Brand. Always compare our 
prices and samples before buying. 



45 



The Growing of Gold 

CHAPTER X. 

WHAT OTHERS SAY. 




N concluding this little booklet, we are going 
to give some practical letters received from 
different customers who have made a suc- 
cess of growing alfalfa. These letters 
should be helpful to our readers, as it should give 
them more courage and the utmost faith in the Al- 
falfa crop. What is being done by others, can be 
done by you, if you apply the same energy and work 
for the same results. 



A Nebraska Custosnes* Gives His Method. 

Dorchester, Neb., June 13, 1913. 
Gentlemen— 

I am pleased to trive you the results of the "World 
Brand" Alfalfa Seed Avhich I bought of you last year. Having 
several different pieces of Alfalfa, but the soil is nearly the 
same, so 1 tried 15 acres which had been in oals and harvested 
in 1912. On AufTusc 5, 1912, this aforesaid 15 acres Avas plowed 4 
indies deed and iiari-owed. About Aug-ust 20 to 22, 1912 we used 
the disk thoroughly and harrowed it ag-ain, and used the seed 
drill for seeding, using only eleven pounds of seed per acre. 

I have just finislit d cut Jng aforesaid 15 acres of Alfalfa, am 
frank to say, that it is the nicest and heaviest crop I have seen, 
getUng more than one t' -n of hay per acre at first cutting. I do 
not have worn out land, but my opinion is to prepare the land 
for Alfalfa the same as prepared for garden; using the seed drill 
and sowing the best seed obtainable. "The best is always the 
cheapest." I have besn one of .vour customers for a good many 
years, in buying aU kinds of Grass Seed, W^h eat and Potatoes, 
and have found out. that I have no reason to look for a better 
seed Company. I believe your satisfied customers are your best 
ro(X)mmondation and advertisement. Yours truly, 

E. C. SEMLER 



46 



The Growing of Gold 



Letter from a Practical Grower in South Dakota. 

Aberdeen, South Dakota, June 14. 1913. 
Gentlemen : 

In reply to yours of June 10th will state that I have 
at present thirty acres of alfalfa. Seven acres I sowed seven 
3^eais ag"© this spring, eight acres six years ag-o this spring and 
fifteen acres a year ag'o t)us spring. Would advise plowhig the 
land as earl.v in the fall as convenient, cultivatiiig the same 
so as not to allow any weeds to seed, and also making: it as even 
as possible. In the spring I would disk it and drag it until just 
after corn planting, then I would seed it with either broadcast 
or by drilling, using from six to ten pounds of seed per acre. I 
have broadcasted mine using ten pounds. This year I seeded 
fifty-five acres; forty acres about nine pounds to the acre and 
fifteen acres ten pounds to the acre. If the land is properly pre- 
pared there is no trouble about growing Alfalfa in this section. 
Yours very truly 

ISAAC LINCOLN 

This Party Increases His Acreage. 

Kalona Iowa, June 17, 1913. 
Dear Sir: 

The Alfalfa seed I got of you last spring grew fine. I 
would like for you to send me samples and prices on some more 
seed of the very best grade of Alfalfa as I am going to sow some 
this fall. Yours truly, 

HENRY BURKLEY. 

Good Soccess in Morttgomery County. 

Red Oak, Iowa June 20, 1913 
Dear Sirs: 

In reply to your letter inauiring about what success I 
had with the Alfalfa Seed I got of you last fall. Tie seed was 
good as I ever seen, and I got a good stand. I plowed my ground 
about Cinches deep, and disked and harrowed sevtral times till 
I got it in good condition, thea sowed the seed and run a plank 
over it twice, L.N.SMITH. 

Minnesota Ooafiomer Reports our Seed Proves Beat. 

Morgan,. Minu.JiiJy ". 1813. • 
Gentlemen: 

What Is your rrices on A Islke Clover end Alsiko and 
TirrKJthy Mlxedi such seed a's wo got la* t apr Ing. The- Alfalfa we 

47 



The Growing of Gold 



got from you is surely fine if it will only stand the winter. We 
bougrht seed, that is Alfalfa seed, from Kansas, Montana, North 
Dakota, Minnesota and Your House, but your seed was the best 
and cleanest. We had seed tested at the Minnesota Experi- 
ment Station. C. B. HUSCHKE. 



Alfalfa Did Fine fn Illinois. 

Sheffield, 111. June 12, 1913. 
Dear Sirs: 

Yours of recent date received and would say I had a 
splendid stand of Alfalfa from the seed I bought from your firm. 
I plowed two acres of oat stubble ground in August and hauled 
four 60 bushel loads of sweet clover soil on them disked and har- 
rowed, sowed the seed and harrowed several times. We had a 
good rain the next day and the Alfalfa came up splendidly. 

Yours truly, 

EDWARD HARVEY. 

A Very Practical Letter From an Iowa Grower. 

Massena Iowa, June 20, 1913. 
Gentlemen : 

Your reauest for my experience in raising Alfalfa at 
hand, I am pleased to state that I have had very good success 
indeed, much better than I hoped to have. I have been growing 
it for the last five years and liave purchased all my seed of you 
and I have never failed to get a fine stand. I sow in August 
not later than the 15th or 20th on ground from which I have 
taken a crop of winter wheat. I double disk the erround as soon 
as I can get the wheat off then plow, I double disk again and 
harrow, then sow broadcast from 15 to 20 pounds of seed per acre 
and harrow once. I have never used any commercial inocula- 
tion of any kind. I try to cover all the ground I intend to sow 
with manure from the sheds which is hauled on my winter 
wheat in the winter and early spring. 

After the first year I out from three to four times a year owing 
to the seaxson. I now have about 7o head hogs running on a six 
acre field 6f It. and I consider it the best hog pasture there Is. 
I cut a fair Oiop off ttis field about the first of June and It 
Btandei about a foot high now. I find it mupb easier to cure than 
clovei' o^A it /C)i4lO^ tl3^ flneekt he^ in t)ie \mrl4. Iptin't tinder- 
grianfi wby ev^py laJwifei« k etyutbSvfeirfiieA idwb ifca^t tfjt/w it. iM 

48 



The Growing of Gold. 



it Is easily ^rown and will stand the dry weather better than al- 
most any othei* grass. 

Please send me samples and prices on seed as I expect to sow 
some this fall again. Very truly, 

E. E. GRIMES. 

Different Melliod Followed by This Party. 

Elbon, South Dakota, June 15, 1913. 

Gentlemen: , , 

In sowing Alfalfa, my preference is for ground culti- 
vated the previous year to potatoes or corn, which I disk in ear- 
ly spring and seed about May 1st after another disking about 6 
pounds per acre, and harrow lightly. But have had good suc- 
cess with spring plowing when followed by rains to settle the 
ground. On drv upland we have had good success drilling in 
rows 3 feet apart, about 2 pounds of seed per acre and give it an 
occasional cultivation. This is mostly for the purpose of raising 
seed, but of ten get a first cutting f or h ay. ^ ^ MORRISON. 

Alfalfa Shipped Better Than Sample. 

Laport Ind., April 14, 1913 

^™ If the Alfalfa Seed which I bought from you had not 
tested up to your agreement you certainly would have received 
a vigorous kick from me and the seed back but as it tested much 
better than the sample which you sent I think it only fair to ad- 
vise vou Therefore, lam enclosing, herewith, tlie copies re- 
ceived bv me from the State Agricultural College showing the 
test made of the sample before buying and also of the seed re- 
ceived. You will see that the seed that you shipped me was 
much better than the sample sent before buying. The sample 
you sent before buying contained 98.55 of pure seed while the 
seed you shipped after buying contained 99.6 for which I thank 

^^^■^^^"Mvid! H. REEDER. 

Saved Money by Purchasing Seed From Us. 

Braymer, Mo. April 24, 191& 

^^^ ^I receive your ahlpi^ent of SO lbs of Alfalfa and m bu& 

of Alslkeand Timothy cdxed a^^ ^ ;«'^* ^ t^*^i^ll,Vf fW,* 
flt^eBt ipd cl&aneet eee^ I ever eaw. I daved Ct'Om ihs^ U) ftAur 

49 



The Growing of Gold 



Prof. Holden Urges Every Farmer to Grow Alfalfa 

Mr. Holden says "Alfalfa is destined to revolutionize agri- 
culture in the United States. Ifcisnot dilficult to f?row. It is 
today grown on the borders of the civilization in ilie far Canadi- 
an north; it is^'rown in the southern tropics and from far east 
to west around the world. It will readily adapt itself to almost 
any character of soil or climatic condition. In the western 
states, alfalfa is successfully grown on mountain janses in 
IMontana and Ci lorado. nearly eight tliousand feet above sea 
level. It is true that alfalfa will become a giineral farm crop in 
the United States in time. It will drift in by gravity. 

"Twenty years fiom now. every one will wonder how wc got 
along without alfalfa and why we did not recognize its great 
value sooner. 

"Many of the attempts in the past to grow alfalfa have fail- 
ed, but, with our present knowledge of the retiuirements of the 
crop, there will l)e little, if any more trouble in .securing a stand 
of alfalfa than of clover. Alfalfa can be grown on your farm. 
Alfalfa is the cheapest source of protein. When wheat bran is 
worth S22.00per ton, good alfalfa hay is worth from S;20.00 to $22.00 
per ton. . 

"Alfalfa is the most enriching crop wc liave, and ensures 
larger yields to the other crops that follow. Alfalfa adds humus 
to the soil, resists drought better than any other crop. 

Others Now Becoming Interested In Alfalfa 

.Jefferson, Ohio. June, IG, 1913 
Dear Sir: 

Some years ago I got some Alfalfa seed from you which 
was very satisfactory and am planning to sow a couple of acres 
and wotild like to know .your prices on good seed at least three 
pecks. Please lot me know as soon as possible, there is probably 
others who will send to you through me. 

M. SEX BOLD. JEFFERSON 

Seed Fully Equal to Sample, Well Pleased 

nollaod. Mich. April. 8 1913 
Dear Sir:. 

T have now received the seed in good condlton and aro. 
very well ph-asod with it ns we find the seed as good as the sam- 
ple you 'aeuti mo Yours very respecfull.v, . . . 

BEET VAN KiiMPEN. 



60 



Alfalfa Facts Worth Remembering. 

Grow Gold on your farm. 

Alfalfa is King of forage crops. 

Don't sow poor or weedy seed. 

Alfalfa is ideal feed for dairying. 

Alfalfa makes an ideal soiling plant. 

Select fertile land that is well drained. 

Alfalfa is one of the best of soil builders. 

Alfalfa is a surer crop in Iowa than Clover. 

Don't give up if your first attempt is a failure. 

Use precaution when starting to pasture Alfalfa. 

Early Potatoes is a splendid crop to precede Alfalfa. 

Alfalfa hay cannot be excelled for all kinds of stock. 

Alfalfa is the forage crop to grow for largest returns. 

When using a nurse crop sow the grain very sparingly. 

Don't fail to keep the weeds clipped on spring seeding. 

Soil free from weeds is much better adapted to Alfalfa. 

An Alfalfa field should never be pastured the first season. 

Alfalfa should be cut when about one-tenth in blossom. 

Don't try to save money by the purchase of cheap seed. 

Every acre that grows Alfalfa increases the value $100.00. 

Alfalfa will not grow where the water is near the surface. 

Use l5 pounds of our World Brand Alfalfa seed to an acre. 

A ton of Alfalfa hay is equal to a ton of bran in feed value. 

Inoculation is essential for the successful growing of Alfalfa. 

Soil often requires liming for the best success of the Alfalfa. 

Don't be satisfied until you are growing Alfalfa on your farm. 

Don't lose the leaves, they constitute the best part of the hay. 

You can grow Alfalfa on your farm by following instructions. 

Don't sow on any but a finely, prepared, well settled seed bed. 

Increased production can be expected by inoculating the seed. 

Alfalfa hay should be put under cover as it does not shed rain. 

Use a spring tooth harrow to eradicate blue grass in an old Alfal- 
fa field 

Alfalfa should never be pastured off close, as it will cause weeds 
to start. 

Your success with Alfalfa depends quite largely on the prepara- 
tion of the seed bed. 

Alfalfa is one of the most highly nutritious and palatable of feed 
for all classes of stock. 

Alfalfa will grow successfully on a larger per cent of the farms in 
the United States than any other plant. 



'vr 



^0^ ^HiM) 




PURITY S9j6 
GERMINATION 95: 

CLARINDA. IOWA 





PLANTERS' SEED TABLE. 

Legal Weights to Bushel In low^a. 

Quan. to sow Lbs. to 

one acre. Bu . 

Alsike and Timothy mixed IrHo 15 lbs. 50 

Alfalfa lis to 20 lbs tiO 

Artichokes 4 to 6 bu. »0 

Barley IH to 2 bu. 48 

Buckwlieat 50tot>0lb.s. 4)s 

Bluegrass— Kentucky rUo :iH bu. 14 

Blueg-rass— English or Meadow Rescue 25 to 30 lbs 24 

Beans— Garden 1 bu tiO 

Beans-Soja .SO to tJO lbs bO 

Beans— Lima. ; 40 to 60 lbs 56 

Beans— Navy 30 to 40 lbs &) 

Broraus Inermis 20 to 30 lbs 14 

Broom Corn « to 10 lbs 50 

Clove J-— White 4 to 6 lbs. 60 

Clover-Red 6 to 10 lbs. bO 

Clovei"— Alsike G to 10 lbs. BO 

Clover— Crimson 10 to 15 lbs. t>U 

Clovei — Maramotb 8 to 12 lbs. 60 

Clover Sweet (Unhulled 30 lbs.) Hulled 20 lbs. Ou 

Cow I'eas : lto2bu. 60 

Corn- UnEar — 70 

Corn— Shelled ^ bu. 56 

Corn— Pop (In the Ear 70 lbs.).-. 6toSlbs. 56 

Sweet Corn— Shelled 6 to 10 lbs. 50 

Cane Drills 6 to 8 lbs. Broadcast 1 to 2 bu. 50 

Flax . ...%itolbu. 56 

Hemp H to 1 bu. 44 

.lerusalera Corn-tn drills 5 to 7 lbs. 56 

Kaffir Corn— Drill 5to6 lbs. 56 

•• Broadcast 1 to 2 bu. 56 

Millet for hay .% to 50 lb.s. 50 

" for seed 25 to 30 lbs. 50 

>ats 2to3bu. 32 

ni ion Sets— Bottom 9tol2bu. 32 

Union Sett—Top 5 to 6 bu . 28 

Orchard Gra.ss lYs to ^Yshu. 14 

Peas—Garden. Smooth Seed . 2bu. 60 

feas— Garden. Wrinkled Seed 2biu 56 

Peanuts in prxl 2 bu. 22 

Potatoes — White or Irish 8 to 12 bu. 60 

Potatoe.s— Sweet 10,000 to 15,000 plants. 50 

Red Top—Fancy solid seed 8 to 10 lbs. 14 

Rape— Dwarf E.ssex. Broadcast 4 to 6 lbs. 50 

Rye l^tol^bu. 56 

Rye Grass 20 to 30 lbs. 14 

Speltz or Emmer lHto2bu. 40 

Sunflower— Russian 3 to 4 lbs. 22 

Timothy 10 to 12 lbs. 45 

Vetches 30 to 50 lbs. 50 

Wheat, broadcast IV^ to 2 bu. 60 

In drills , l^-itolHbu. 60 

A. A. BERRY SEED CO. Clarinda, la 



Use Nitrogen Culture 

And Watch the Increased Results. 

The illustration ex- 
plains the results of 
Nitrogen Culture better 
than words. It is mar- 
velous what Nitrogen 
Culture will do ^d we 
want to urge you to 
use it and test it out by 
your own observation, 
it is highly recommend- 
ed by the U. S. Dept. 
of Agriculture, in Farm- 
ers Bulletin No. 315. It 
is very easily applied 
to the seed and it is 
much more satisfactory 
than obtaining soil 
from neighboring fields 
which might have ob- 
jectionable weeds. There is an ever increasing 
demand for Nitrogen Culture. The best farm- 
ers are using it on Clover, Alfalfa, Vetch and 
all legumes. You can increase results wonder- 
fully by inoculation. Full description for using 
is found in every package sent out. Don't fail 
to let us hear from you if you require Nitro- 
gen Culture for we will supply you with the 
best product on the market at right prices. 
See Catalog for description and prices. Write 
for special prices on large amounts. 

A. A. BERRY SEED CO., Glarinda. Iowa. 




Alfalfa 
Inoculated. 



Alfalfa not 
Inoculated. 



SAVE MONEY 

When Buying Your CRASS SEED 

You can do this by buying direct from the 
producing section. We are producers and also 
buy direct from the farmers, so that we can 
oflfer Gfass Seed at most reasonable prices. 

We sell many carloads each season, of Clo- 
ver, Timothy, Alfalfa and Grass Seeds of all 
kind, saving our customers from $\ .00 to $2.00 
per bushel on both Clover and Alfalfa. 

We can save you money by dealing direct 
with us. You eliminate the jobbers and retail 
merchants profit by sending to us for seed. 

We handle our seed on a very close margin. 
What we save in buying is gain for our custo- 
mers. Get our samples and prices and see for 
yourself that it is to your interest to favor us 
with your patronage. 

All seeds tested and guaranteed to be satis- 
factory in every way. Any time you buy 
Grass Seed from us and are not satisfied in 
every way, you can send the seed back and we 
will pay freight both ways and refund .you the 
amount paid for it. 

Don't forget us as we are headquarters for 
Grass and Field Seed of all kind. 

A. A. BERRY SEED CO., 

CLARINDA, IOWA. 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 





